Announced by DHS and USCIS under the H.R. 1 legislation, the fee applies at the time parole is granted, even if the application was filed before the rule took effect. Only a few narrow exceptions are available such as for those applying for green cards returning after temporary travel abroad and those facing medical emergencies.
Officials say the policy aims to curb “rampant abuse” of the parole system and ensure the government recovers administrative costs. It also comes alongside broader fee increases for other immigration benefits, including work permits for parolees and asylum seekers.
This marks a major shift in how parole is handled, making the process more restrictive and costly.
Applicants will now face higher financial barriers, and exceptions will be tightly limited, signaling a tougher stance on parole admissions going forward.
Starting October 16, 2025, if your parole or re-parole request is approved and requires the immigration parole fee, you will receive a notice with payment instructions and a deadline.
The fee must be paid in full and on time before your request can be approved. Parole will not be granted if the payment is not completed as instructed by USCIS.
Fee Implementation and Collection
- The $1,000 parole fee applies to all aliens granted parole under INA Section 212(d)(5)(A), including initial parole, re-parole, parole in place, or parole from DHS custody, unless the individual qualifies for one of ten statutory exemptions.
- The fee is triggered upon the actual grant and effectuation of parole, not upon filing a parole request or receiving a travel document. This means that any parole granted on or after October 16, 2025, is subject to the fee, even if the request was submitted earlier.
- The fee will be collected by the three DHS components responsible for parole decisions: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Exceptions
H.R. 1 allows for ten specific exceptions to the $1,000 fee if the individual can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Secretary of Homeland Security that their parole is based on one of the following circumstances:
(1) The individual is facing a medical emergency and cannot access the required treatment in their country of residence, or the emergency is life-threatening and there is not enough time to enter the United States through the regular visa process.
(2) The individual is the parent or legal guardian of a minor who qualifies under paragraph (1).
(3) The individual is required in the United States to donate an organ or other tissue for a transplant, and there is not enough time to enter through the regular visa process.
(4) The individual has a close family member in the United States who is near death, and they would not be able to arrive in time to see that family member alive if they had to go through the regular visa process.
(5) The individual is seeking to attend the funeral of a close family member and would not be able to arrive in time if they had to go through the regular visa process.
(6) The individual is an adopted child with an urgent medical condition, under the legal custody of the petitioner for a final adoption-related visa and requires medical treatment before the final visa is expected to be granted.
(7) The individual is a lawful applicant for adjustment of status (permanent residence) under section 245 of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1255) and is returning to the United States following temporary travel abroad.
(8) The individual was returned to a neighboring country under section 235(b)(2)(C) of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1225(b)(2)(C)) and is being paroled into the United States to attend their immigration hearing.
(9) The individual has been granted the status of Cuban and Haitian entrant (as defined in section 501(e) of the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-422; 8 U.S.C. 1522 note) or
(10) The Secretary of Homeland Security determines that parole of an individual who has assisted or will assist the U.S. Government in a law enforcement matter serves a significant public benefit; whose presence is required by the government for that matter; and who is either inadmissible, does not meet nonimmigrant admission requirements, or lacks sufficient time to enter through the regular visa process.
Conclusion
The new $1,000 parole fee signals a tougher stance on immigration parole, targeting misuse and offsetting costs. Certain applicants will now face higher fees, with limited exceptions for those applying for adjustment of status (permanent residence) and others. Staying aware of these new changes is crucial for anyone seeking parole.
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- Immigration Parole Fee Required by HR-1 Reconciliation Bill
- November Visa Bulletin
- Adjustment of Status Filing Dates from Visa Bulletin
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